Mark Whitehead Friday, February 16, 2024

Sharp increase in home schooling, survey shows

Sharp increase in home schooling, survey shows image
Image: goodluz/Shutterstock.com.

A survey of councils in the south of England shows a sharp rise in the number of children being educated at home.

Some parents said schools could not cater for their children's needs.

The data came from 15 councils in Berkshire, Dorset, Hampshire, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire for the years 2013-2023.

The highest number of home-schooled children was reported by Hampshire County Council, up from 623 to 3,593.

Dorset Council reported a rise from 15 to 285 children, Oxfordshire County Council's figures rose from 177 to 522 and Wiltshire Council saw an increase from 228 to 952.

Only Bracknell Forest Council reported a fall, from 91 children in 2021 to 87 in 2023.

One parent said: 'I believe that the school system is very much a cookie cutter approach and unfortunately our daughter didn't sit within the cookie cutter shape.'

Another said: 'I think some people, probably for similar reasons to me, want to spend more time with their children. But also the school system, I think, is really struggling to cater for the needs of lots of children.'

Mac Heath, co-chair of the Association of Directors of Children's Services South East region, acknowledged that home education was rising.

But he added: 'I would really urge that if we're ensuring that our children get the best opportunity to thrive, both socially, academically, that we continue to recognise that for most of our children schools are the best place for them.'

A Department for Education spokesperson said: 'We support the right of parents to educate their children at home but all children should receive a suitable education regardless of where they are educated.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Transport and Major Work Manager

Slough Borough Council
£54,556 to £60,085 per year Inclusive of Local Weighting Allowance of £1096
Drive the future of transport and infrastructure in Slough Slough, Berkshire
Recuriter: Slough Borough Council

Assessment, Payment and Monitoring Officer x3

Wakefield Council
Grade 6 SCP 12 £28,598 - SCP 18 £31,537
A high level of accuracy and numeracy, with excellent written, oral communication, negotiation & persuasion skills are required Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Support Worker

Wakefield Council
G6 SCP 12 £28,598 - SCP 18 £31,537
Are you passionate about making a difference to our citizens and the district that they reside in? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Support Worker

Wakefield Council
Grade 6 SCP 12 £16,617.76 - SCP 18 £18,325.55 (pro rata)
Are you passionate about making a difference to our citizens and the district that they reside in? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

PLC Teacher

North Yorkshire Council
£34.434 - £37,280 per annum
Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people with additional needs? Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner